Emotional abuse of students of color: the hidden inhumanity in our schools

Illuminating and understanding the emotional abuse inflicted on many students of color is a necessity in creating conditions for their school success. However, this topic is rarely discussed among educators and those preparing educators. However, from the author’s recent experiences conducting research in racially diverse schools as well as her nearly 30 years working in such schools, it is apparent that some teachers, consciously or unconsciously, act in ways toward their students that constitute abuse, i.e. the infliction of narcissistic injuries. The possible sequelae of these injuries may have deleterious effects on the future academic, emotional and physical health of the students.